All axles

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford F550 Super Duty and 2007 Ford F450 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

If removed, install a new anti-lock speed sensor ring with a dead blow hammer.

Fig 1: Installing Anti-Lock Speed Sensor Ring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool and a press, install the differential assembly half on the ring gear half.

Fig 1: Installing Differential Assembly Half On Ring Gear Half
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Tighten the 12 ring gear bolts.
- Tighten to 203 Nm (150 lb-ft).
Fig 2: Installing Ring Gear Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tools, install the ring gear side carrier bearing.

Fig 3: Installing Ring Gear Side Carrier Bearing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tools, install the differential side carrier bearing.

Fig 4: Installing Differential Side Carrier Bearing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Carefully position the differential assembly into the carrier housing.

NOTE: The bearing cups must seat on the differential side bearings.

NOTE: Align the match marks.

NOTE: The bolt threads must be clean.

Fig 5: Tightening Differential Bearing Cap Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the differential bearing caps.
- Position the bearing cap onto the leg.
- Apply Threadlock 262 to the bolt threads, and install the bolts.
  - Tighten the bolts enough to eliminate visible space between the bearing cap and leg. Do not tighten the bolts to the appropriate torque at this time.

CAUTION: Align the differential assembly within the bearing bores before applying preload or damage to the bearings will result.

Fig 6: Installing Differential Bearing Adjusting Rings

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the differential bearing adjusting rings.
- Tighten both adjusting rings until there is zero end play and some backlash between the differential ring gear and pinion. Make sure the adjusting ring tooth aligns so that installation of the adjusting ring cotter pin is possible.
Set the backlash at zero.
- Loosen the adjusting ring on the tooth side of the differential ring gear one tooth and tighten the opposite adjusting ring one tooth. Repeat this process until backlash is at zero.
Fig 7: Setting Backlash At Zero
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Set the backlash and the bearing preload to specifications.
- With a new matched set installed, set the backlash to the specification.
- With the original matched set installed, set the backlash to the specification recorded prior to disassembly.
- Tighten the adjusting ring on the tooth side of the differential ring gear until backlash is within specifications.
Fig 8: Setting Backlash And Bearing Preload
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Check the differential ring gear and pinion backlash in 4 equally spaced positions around the differential ring gear.
- The acceptable backlash tolerance is ± 0.0508 mm (0.002 in) from the backlash specification.
- If the backlash tolerance varies more than 0.080 mm (0.003 in) between the 4 positions, remove the differential and determine the cause.
Fig 9: Checking Differential Ring Gear And Pinion Backlash
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Check the differential ring gear and pinion backlash, as described in the previous step, after tightening the bolts.
- Tighten to 190 Nm (140 lb-ft).
Fig 10: Tightening Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the adjusting ring cotter pins.

Fig 11: Installing Adjusting Ring Cotter Pins
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the rear anti-lock brake sensor and bolt, if equipped.
- Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
Fig 12: Installing Rear Anti-Lock Brake Sensor
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the carrier. For additional information, refer to Differential Carrier in this article.